After eating curry, go sightseeing! 20 spots to enjoy in Jimbocho

Kanda Jimbocho, lined with bookstores and exuding an academic atmosphere, may not be the first place that comes to mind for sightseeing, but it actually has a surprising number of attractions. Here, we’ll introduce you to 20 recommended places in Jimbocho, from popular bookstores to various sightseeing events and trending spots. Check out everything from long-established shops embodying the old charm of Jimbocho to the latest attractions.

Towards the end, we’ll also touch on how Jimbocho came to be lined with so many bookstores. Now, let’s dive into the sightseeing guide for Jimbocho—a town loved by literary figures such as Natsume Soseki and Masaoka Shiki, known for its abundance of curry shops and bookstores.

1. Jimbocho Yoshimoto Manzai Theater

Jimbocho Yoshimoto Manzai Theater is a unique venue located in Jimbocho, featuring an intriguing multi-faceted architecture by Nikken Sekkei, the same firm known for designing Tokyo Tower and Tokyo Dome. Many visitors stop by to take photos of the building’s distinct exterior while sightseeing. The theater hosts a wide range of performers, from popular TV comedians to up-and-coming young talents.

The weekly performances cover genres like comedy, suspense, mystery, historical plays, and school dramas, with the main productions of Jimbocho Kagetsu offering a different style from Osaka’s Yoshimoto Shin-Kigeki. Given the comedian-based performances, each show brims with unique ad-libs. With 126 seats, the theater's intimate setting lets you enjoy live performances up close, adding to the excitement. You can check out the latest performance details on the official website.

The same building also houses the Yoshimoto Kogyo’s New Star Creation (NSC) Tokyo school, where debut performances by aspiring comedians are held as training institute live shows. If you’re sightseeing in Jimbocho, it’s worth stopping by. Tickets for various live shows are also sold on the day of the event.

Jimbocho Yoshimoto Manzai Theater is an essential stop for visitors to Jimbocho. Take a photo of its mysterious facade and experience some thrilling performances inside.

2. Jimbocho Theater

Jimbocho Theater is a mini-cinema located in the Jimbocho Theater Building, built to revive the cinema culture once thriving in Jimbocho. Operated by Shogakukan, headquartered in Jimbocho, this theater mainly screens Japanese classic films rather than new releases, making it a must-visit spot for long-time film enthusiasts.

The theater occasionally features silent film retrospectives and themed events, like the marathon screening of Godzilla films prior to the release of Shin Godzilla. With approximately 100 seats and a highly rated sound system, it offers an enjoyable and immersive experience. Be sure to visit this gem when exploring Jimbocho.

3. Kanda Used Book Festival

Kanda Used Book Festival is a major autumn tourism event held throughout Jimbocho, known as Tokyo’s book town. Organized by the Jimbocho Antiquarian Bookstore Association, it features the Open-Air Used Book Market, a 500-meter-long Book Corridor filled with book stalls. With around 100 participating stores and over a million books for sale, this event is a massive gathering for book lovers. During the festival, Jimbocho is bustling with countless visitors.

With a history of nearly 60 years, the festival is beloved by avid readers and has grown into one of Tokyo's flagship events, drawing visitors from across Japan and even overseas. Besides the Open-Air Market, the festival includes numerous events, such as a charity book auction, Bibliobattle book presentation contests, and the Satoyama Festival. It’s a must-see for anyone exploring Jimbocho in the fall.

4. Jimbocho Book Festival

The Jimbocho Book Festival is sponsored by publishers and takes place at the same time as the Kanda Used Book Festival, making this period the busiest for tourists in Jimbocho each year.

During the festival, new and lightly-used books are sold at bargain prices in an open-air market, with prices as low as 100 yen or 50% off the cover price for books that have only been on store shelves without ever being owned. Numerous food stalls line the streets, and the Jimbocho Curry Grand Prix takes place in the back alleys, adding culinary delights to the book-focused festivities.

Visitors can also enjoy live comedy performances by comedians from the Jimbocho Yoshimoto Manzai Theater. This event is highly recommended for anyone visiting Jimbocho, as it showcases why this district is celebrated as the world’s best book town.

5. Isseido Bookstore

Isseido Booksellers, established in 1903, is a renowned antique bookstore located right near Jimbocho Station’s A7 exit. Specializing in Japanese and Western antiquarian books, general books, academic texts, and art books, Isseido has served many of Japan's literary giants, including Kunio Yanagita, Naoya Shiga, Yasunari Kawabata, Yasushi Inoue, Yukio Mishima, and Seicho Matsumoto. It has undoubtedly played a pivotal role in Japan’s literary history.

Today, its clientele includes prestigious institutions like the Imperial Household Agency Archives, National Diet Library, University of Tokyo, Keio University, Harvard University, Cambridge University, and the British Library, giving it an international reputation. The bookstore’s stained-glass exterior is eye-catching, and its wooden interior offers a serene atmosphere. When visiting Jimbocho, be sure to stop by this historic bookstore.

6. Cat Book Specialty: Jimbocho Nyankodo (inside Anekawa Bookstore)

Jimbocho Nyankodo, located within the small Anekawa Bookstore at the Jimbocho intersection, is a bookstore specializing in cat-related books. The store offers over 400 varieties and 2,000 titles of cat books, all available for browsing. Take your time to compare and find the perfect cat book for you. Purchases come with an original cat-themed book cover.

Originally limited to three shelves, the cat book section gained popularity through PR efforts, drawing tourists and transforming Nyankodo into over half of Anekawa Bookstore. Recently, they’ve started selling cat-themed tote bags and have even hosted talks and signings with professional cat photographers. On their website, you can also meet their Cat Manager Rikuo. For cat and book lovers alike, a visit to Jimbocho Nyankodo is a must.

7. Children's Book Store "Book House Cafe"

Book House Cafe, a children’s book specialty store located just steps from Jimbocho Station’s A1 exit, is a picture book-focused bookstore with an attached cafe. It offers about 12,000 picture books, children’s books, stationery, and plush toys, creating a welcoming space for families to enjoy together.

The cafe menu features carefully selected ingredients with popular dishes like Japanese Bento, Special Beef and Cheese Curry, and Salmon and Avocado Hot Sandwich. There’s also a Kids' Curry and a variety of sweets, perfect for a visit with young ones.

Book House Cafe regularly hosts events like picture-story shows, talk events, and story readings, so be sure to check the event schedule on the official website.

8. The Bohemian's Guild

Bohemian’s Guild is an art book specialty store located along Suzuran Street in Jimbocho. The name signifies a “gathering of free-spirited artists.”

On the first floor, you’ll find a wide selection of art-related books, including art collections, exhibition catalogs, critiques, and books on design, architecture, photography, entertainment, thought, and philosophy. Behind the register, rare items are displayed, some of museum-level quality.

The store also offers original works by various artists, along with paintings, prints, limited editions, signed copies, and first editions. On the second floor, there’s a viewing space where you can enjoy a coffee while browsing books in the book gallery.

The warm, wood-accented interior is filled with soothing jazz music, making it easy to lose track of time. When visiting Jimbocho, be sure to stop by Bohemian’s Guild for a peaceful and enriching experience.

9. @Wonder

@Wonder is a unique used bookstore in Jimbocho, known for its rich selection of mystery, science fiction, film-related books, and books on pro-wrestling, martial arts, and ancient martial arts. With its diverse array of rare finds, it attracts many returning visitors who always seem to discover something new.

The store also carries an extensive collection of old movie pamphlets, organized by genre, such as Italian Cinema, Youth Films, and Suspense Films, making it easy to browse. Just admiring the retro items displayed in glass cases is an experience in itself.

Rare items include pamphlets from classic films like the 1954 Italian film The Great Hope and Kenji Mizoguchi’s Ugetsu (1953), which, though pricey, are treasured by enthusiasts. They also have an incredible collection of movie posters, with around 10,000 in stock.

On the second floor, you can relax at the 20th Century Book Cafe, where you can read your new finds while enjoying a coffee. Be sure to include @Wonder on your Jimbocho tour.

10. Nanyodo Bookstore

Nanyodo Bookstore is a specialty bookstore dedicated solely to architecture, with three floors filled entirely with architecture-related books—a true Jimbocho gem. The first and second floors house Japanese antiquarian books and back issues of architecture magazines, while the third floor features discounted books and new foreign publications.

The sheer volume of architecture books is impressive, with some rare antiquarian items priced in the hundreds of thousands of yen. Professors, students, researchers, architects, and designers frequently visit the store. The fourth floor hosts exhibitions and lectures by architects in its gallery space.

In 2007, the store underwent a major renovation, designed by a young architect, adding a stylish, all-glass entrance facing Yasukuni Avenue. The elegant facade often catches the eye of tourists, making it a picturesque spot for photos.

11. Okuno Karuta Shop

Okuno Karuta Shop is a rare specialty store for karuta, located just a 3-minute walk from Jimbocho Station’s A4 exit. This unique store offers a wide array of traditional Japanese card games, including karuta, Hyakunin Isshu poetry cards, hanafuda, as well as classic games like Go, Shogi, Sugoroku, and playing cards, evoking a sense of nostalgia.

The shop sees many families visiting together, with parents teaching their children traditional games. Popular items include educational sets like Kenji Miyazawa Woodblock Karuta. The store also displays rare European chess sets, adding to its retro charm. With around 300 varieties of karuta alone and 500 types of games, there’s plenty to explore.

Established in 1921, Okuno Karuta Shop recently celebrated its 100th anniversary. On the second floor, the “Small Karuta Museum” showcases valuable Hyakunin Isshu artifacts and Edo-period karuta collections with significant antique value. The entrance display even features modern gaming consoles and popular toys, balancing nostalgia with contemporary appeal, making it a highlight of any Jimbocho visit.

12. Okkaran

Okkaran is a specialty store for ethnic goods located in Jimbocho, about a 5-minute walk from Jimbocho Station’s A4 exit, heading toward Suidobashi on Hakusan Street. The store has a distinct exotic atmosphere that’s evident even from the exterior.

The unique feature of Okkaran is that the owner personally sources items during travels, choosing pieces that spark joy. The store is filled with goods from around the world, including Thailand, France, Morocco, and other popular travel destinations.

The selection includes baskets, accessories, bags, glassware, and small storage items, with a wide variety to explore. Many items are one-of-a-kind, so if you find something you love, it’s best to purchase it on the spot. Perfect for personal use or as a gift, the items here are truly special.

Information on the store and its products is regularly updated on social media, so be sure to check it out. Since Okkaran has irregular holidays, it’s recommended to confirm their schedule before visiting.

13. Chiyoda City Chiyoda Library

Chiyoda City Chiyoda Library might surprise some as a tourist spot, but its proximity to the world-renowned Jimbocho Book Town makes it a must-visit. This Chiyoda City public library stands out with its top-tier facilities and innovative ways to enjoy books beyond traditional reading and borrowing.

One highlight is the associative search system. By placing a book on a special stand equipped with an IC tag reader, the system displays information on the book as well as related titles. Additionally, typing in keywords brings up a range of connected books. For instance, from a newly found book, visitors can use the search function to locate information on antiquarian books and even receive recommendations for Jimbocho bookstores that carry specific titles.

Another notable feature is its weekday hours, open until 10 PM, making it ideal for a post-work visit. The library also provides power outlets for laptop use. Knowledgeable library concierges are available to assist with book information as well as advice on dining and the Jimbocho area, making this library a community hub. The library is located on the 9th and 10th floors of the Chiyoda City Office Building. Consider stopping by this future-forward metropolitan library on your visit.

14. Yoshihiro Yonezawa Memorial Library

Yonezawa Yoshihiro Memorial Library is a tribute to Yoshihiro Yonezawa, one of the Four Heavenly Kings of Otaku and known as the Father of Comiket (Comic Market). Established in 2009 by Meiji University, Yonezawa’s alma mater, the library showcases his personal collection of manga, anime cels, original film, games, and character figures—a staggering assortment that reflects the breadth of his dedication to Japanese pop culture.

This library is a popular destination for fans of Japanese subculture, housing the history of manga and anime. It also features an area dedicated to Comiket, now a major event at Tokyo Big Sight, where visitors can trace its origins through early documents. Yonezawa’s vision of a space for all forms of expression is felt in each item on display. The library is set to become the Meiji University Tokyo International Manga Museum in the future.

A note for visitors: a paid membership is required to borrow manga. This library is a must-visit for subculture enthusiasts exploring Jimbocho.

15. Rakugo Cafe

Rakugo Cafe is a unique cafe where you can enjoy traditional Japanese storytelling, Rakugo. During weekdays, the cafe operates as a regular cafe during the day, but each evening, Rakugo performers, from up-and-coming talents to seasoned veterans, take the stage. On Sundays, Rakugo performances often run all day, with a varied lineup that sometimes includes female performers.

The schedule and timetable are available on the Rakugo Cafe website, and reservations can be made via email or phone (same-day reservations by phone only). With only 50 seats, it’s recommended to book in advance for those visiting.

The cafe also offers a selection of Rakugo-related goods, including CDs, DVDs, rare books, and original items from Rakugo performers. If you’re hungry, try the sandwiches, or enjoy Chinese tea or alcoholic beverages while browsing a book. Rakugo Cafe is a cozy space perfect for relaxing.

For those visiting Jimbocho, spending a day immersed in Rakugo at Rakugo Cafe could be an exciting experience and a chance to discover a new interest.

16. Natsume Soseki Monument (Chiyoda City Ochanomizu Elementary School)

Kinka Park in Chiyoda Ward is a popular rest spot for visitors to the Jimbocho Bookstore District, as well as for students and professionals on lunch breaks. Located next to Kinka Park are the Chiyoda City Ochanomizu Elementary School and Kindergarten. Near the main gate of the elementary school stands a monument dedicated to the famous author Natsume Soseki.

The monument is inscribed with a line from Soseki’s iconic work I Am a Cat, I am a cat; I have no name, along with the words Natsume Soseki, learned in Kinka in the 11th year of Meiji. Soseki attended the former Kinka School (now Ochanomizu Elementary), where he was an excellent student and even skipped grades.

For literary lovers visiting Jimbocho, it’s possible to buy a book by Soseki from one of the local bookstores, like Nakano Shoten, Gyoku-eido Shoten, or Yagi Shoten, and enjoy it in Kinka Park. Close to Ochanomizu Station is Nikolai Cathedral, which appears in Soseki’s novel And Then, and Shoueitei, where you can try the Western-style kakiage that Soseki was said to enjoy.

17. Gakushikaikan, the birthplace of the University of Tokyo

Let’s delve into the history of Jimbocho, a district steeped in academia. In front of the main entrance of Gakushikaikan (Alumni Hall), located south of Jimbocho Station's A9 exit, stands a monument marking the Birthplace of the University of Tokyo, also recognized as the birthplace of Japanese universities.

Originally, Tokyo University was founded on this site in 1877 through the merger of Tokyo Kaisei School and Tokyo Medical School, initially comprising four faculties: Law, Science, Literature, and Medicine. While the Faculty of Medicine was located elsewhere, the other faculties were established in Kanda Nishikicho 3-chome. As Tokyo University expanded, it eventually moved to Bunkyo Ward’s Hongo area in 1885.

Kanda Nishikicho is also where Tokyo University of Foreign Studies, Gakushuin University, and Hitotsubashi University were founded in the early Meiji period, leading to the establishment of numerous bookstores catering to students—laying the foundations of today’s world-famous Jimbocho Bookstore District. The area also became a hub for publishing, printing, and bookbinding, establishing itself as a cultural and educational center in Japan. Additionally, the birthplace of Jo Niijima, founder of Doshisha University, is located here.

Designated as a National Tangible Cultural Property, Gakushikaikan is open to the public, offering restaurants, and facilities for weddings and events, making it a notable tourist destination.

18. The Birthplace of Japanese Baseball

Another famous monument near Gakushikaikan is the Birthplace of Japanese Baseball. Located right in front of Jimbocho Station’s A9 exit, this monument features a hand gripping a baseball, making it quite striking.

This site, formerly home to Tokyo University, was where Horace Wilson, an American teacher, introduced baseball to his students in the early Meiji era. In 1873, a new school building and field were established, allowing students to play baseball formally. By 1876, records show an international game between American residents and Japanese players took place here. Among the notable enthusiasts was Masaoka Shiki, who would later become a celebrated literary figure while studying at Tokyo University.

In 2003, Wilson was inducted into the Japanese Baseball Hall of Fame in recognition of his contribution, commemorated with this unique monument by the Baseball Hall of Fame and Gakushikaikan. For those visiting Jimbocho, stopping by this impactful monument is a must, and it’s especially recommended for fans on their way to a game at Tokyo Dome.

19. Monument to "Zhou Enlai studied here"

Near Jimbocho Station’s A2 exit, within Aizen Park, stands the monument “Zhou Enlai Studied Here.” Zhou Enlai, who later served as Premier of the State Council of the People's Republic of China, once studied in Japan. He attended the Tōa Higher Preparatory School, previously located here, to learn Japanese. Many Chinese students also came to study Japanese at this institution, which contributes to the presence of Chinese restaurants and bookstores in Jimbocho today. Zhou Enlai’s Tokyo Diary at Nineteen reflects his experiences from that time.

Zhou Enlai, having gained influence in China, rose to become the country’s second-highest official. In 1972, he signed the "Joint Communiqué of Japan and China" with then-Prime Minister Kakuei Tanaka, normalizing diplomatic relations between the two nations post-WWII, leading to the Treaty of Peace and Friendship between Japan and China in 1978.

In 1998, commemorating the 20th anniversary of the treaty and Zhou Enlai’s centennial, this monument was erected. Among Jimbocho’s many monuments, this is a unique stop for those interested in history.

20. Kanda Sporting Goods Store Street

Kanda Sports Equipment District, located along Yasukuni Avenue between Jimbocho and Ogawamachi Stations, is Japan's largest street for sports equipment—a unique attraction. Sports shops initially gathered here due to the proximity of several universities, and their numbers surged following the Sapporo Winter Olympics.

This district is home to major sports brands, offering a wide range of equipment, with winter sports gear being particularly well-stocked. Visitors can find skis, snowboards, and apparel at impressively discounted prices.

In addition to winter gear, the area also boasts many outdoor supply stores, making it a perfect stop before heading out for skiing, snowboarding, or camping. Even without plans to buy, browsing the variety of shops is enjoyable.

◎Summary of fun spots in Kanda Jinbocho

Beyond bookstores and curry shops, Kanda Jimbocho offers many more enjoyable spots. From the historic Gakushikaikan, famous former cinemas, to numerous monuments, we’ve explored Jimbocho’s unique attractions.

Although we could only introduce a few bookstores, many more specialized shops await discovery. Whether visiting alone, with friends, a partner, or family, Jimbocho provides something for everyone. We hope your time in Jimbocho brings you the perfect book and unforgettable memories.

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After eating curry, go sightseeing! 20 spots to enjoy in Jimbocho